Jury awards more than $1 million to couple who sued over mold in Cedar Park apartment

Toxic torts Kristina Baehr said, that to her knowledge, in the past decade, this was the first jury trial in Texas to show injury from toxic mold.

Austin American-Statesman - The Wright family’s fight for justice has become a beacon of hope for families across Texas, highlighting the fundamental right to safe and healthy living conditions.

After moving into what they believed were luxury apartments in Whitestone Crossing, the Wrights were confronted with relentless water leaks, a mold infestation, and an ant problem—all of which management refused to address. Despite presenting evidence of dangerously high mold levels, management dismissed their concerns. With their health and well-being on the line, the Wrights took a stand, ultimately securing a $1.06 million jury verdict.

This landmark decision is one of the first in Texas in over a decade to recognize injuries caused by toxic mold.

“This case is about more than one family,” said Kristina Baehr, of Just Well Law, the Wrights’ attorney. “It’s about standing up for every renter who pays for safe housing and is instead met with neglect. The Wrights showed incredible courage in fighting for the rights of all families to breathe clean air.”

The family’s ordeal was harrowing: short-term memory loss, sinus infections, asthma, and other debilitating health issues resulted from their exposure.

“When the Wrights moved to Texas, they were hoping for a fresh start. Instead, they were met with this nightmare,” Baehr explained. “But this verdict restores their hope—not just in justice, but in the people of Texas.”

This case shines a light on the broader issue of tenant rights and accountability in rental housing. The Wrights’ testimony revealed the systemic neglect at Whitestone Crossing, where other tenants reported similar water intrusion and mold-related problems that went unresolved.

Baehr emphasized the importance of this verdict as a warning to landlords statewide. “This isn’t just about one property; it’s about ensuring that no family ever has to endure what the Wrights have suffered. Property managers and landlords must take tenant safety seriously,” she said.

The victory not only compensates the Wright family for their suffering but also sets a precedent for holding negligent landlords accountable and creating safer living environments for all.

Read the full article at Austin American-Statesman.